The Federal Government has emphasized the need to strengthen preventive strategies and prioritize equitable resource allocation to reduce the growing cancer burden in Nigeria.
Minister of State for Health, Dr. Isaac Salako, made the call during the 2025 International Cancer Week (ICW), organised by the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT) in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.
Salako said the government is reforming the National Cancer Health Fund to enhance its impact and ensure broader access to life-saving interventions.
He reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to providing sustained support and funding, while deepening collaboration with local and international partners to improve cancer care and overall healthcare delivery in the country.
The minister added that plans are underway to establish and upgrade more cancer treatment centres nationwide to ease the burden on patients.
He said, “President Tinubu’s administration is committed to ensuring that all residents in Nigeria, regardless of their social status or tribe, have access to quality healthcare services. On this promise, there is no going back until it is achieved.”
Salako also urged stakeholders in the cancer ecosystem to develop practical, homegrown, and implementable solutions to address cancer-related challenges across all 36 states.
In his remarks, the Director-General of NICRAT, Dr. Usman Aliyu, reiterated the Federal Government’s determination to fight all forms of cancer in Nigeria.
He disclosed that NICRAT had awarded a seed grant of N10 million per project to successful cancer researchers to boost impactful research initiatives.
Aliyu also announced the launch of the Strengthening Institutional Capacity for Cancer Research and Implementation in Nigeria (SINCCAR) initiative, aimed at building the capacity of teaching hospitals and early-career cancer researchers across the six geopolitical zones.
He said the first phase, which involved the distribution of cancer research equipment and capacity-building programmes, had been completed.
The NICRAT boss noted that within two years of its establishment, the institute had signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with over 20 global cancer institutions, including the Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center and Johns Hopkins University in the United States, to enhance research, clinical care, training, and public health.
He added that another MoU was signed with the Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center, USA, focusing on mentorship, research, and education — collaborations that have already begun yielding positive outcomes.
Aliyu described the International Cancer Week as a vital platform for global collaboration, innovation, and awareness in cancer prevention and control.
According to him, the theme for this year’s event, “Redefining the Future of Cancer: Prevention, Access, and Equity for All,” underscores Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening prevention, expanding access, and ensuring fairness in cancer care.
He commended the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for her continuous support to NICRAT and the National Taskforce Committee on the Elimination of Cervical Cancer in Nigeria, saying her encouragement has been instrumental to the agency’s progress.
